Storm Season Book 1: Don’t Fall by EM Lindsey

 

Storm Season Book 1

That’s it. My neighbor has to die. There’s no other way around it. The man must be killed—and I’ll even find a way to do it gently, but this cannot go on.

Okay, maybe I’m a bit dramatic, but living next to my brother’s best friend who decided to befriend crows who spend all week spreading garbage across my lawn is not I signed up for.

I wanted quiet.

I wanted peace.

I wanted to stop fantasizing about the gorgeous man I couldn’t stand.

Unfortunately for me, North is a big presence with an annoyingly sunny smile and a way of making life sound like it’s worth living. And as a widower who wants to spend the rest of my life wallowing, the last person I want around is one who makes me question my new life’s purpose.

But these feelings can’t be real, can they? I had my great love, and I lost him. So that’s supposed to be it for me.

Isn’t that the way things go?

I can’t seem to stay away from North, even when I know I should. And when he starts to make me feel like maybe there’s another happily ever after out there, I find that as cautious as I’ve taken each step, I’m on the verge of falling once more.

Don’t Fall is the first book in the small town, enemies to lovers, heavy yearning, MM romance series, Storm Season. It features a virgin EMT whose smile is hiding a lot of things, a disgruntled, grieving writer who just wants solid sleep and a good meal, neighborhood crows wreaking havoc, cooking lessons, hurt/comfort, and a toe-curling happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250603341-don-t-fall

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

North has spent most of his life trying to take care of his family. He has scars, physical and emotional, to show just how much he has been through. Working at the fire station was never his dream. But it gave him a steady career to take care of him mom and sisters after everything his stepdad put them through. And the guys at the station mean everything to him as well and he finds himself taking care of them when he can. But even he can admit he gets lonely. And the one guy who sparks something in him, is the same guy North keeps putting his foot in his mouth about. Leo. His best friend’s younger brother. Leo has his own set of trauma. Him and his husband were in a horrible accident six years ago that resulted in Leo’s husband’s death, and many physical damages to Leo as well. Especially when it involves his brain and he can get seizures. He thought moving into a house he liked near his brother would not only give him space but show he can be independent. Except when he learns North is his neighbor, he is anything but happy. Turns out, these two have quite the misunderstandings about one another. And what they think is hate is anything but. And when they finally talk and acknowledge the attraction brewing between them, well it might be the thing that both have been looking for all along. Absolutely loved this story! A great start to this series which included a bunch of characters I desperately want books for. I really loved getting to know North and Leo. Both have been through quite a lot. And while their traumas are different, they also do understand one another at the same time. It was sweet for them to finally get out of their own way and find the happiness they both more than deserve. Really can’t wait to see what book two brings us!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

False Start by Regina Kyle

 

When the race ends, the real heat begins.

Kip Carmichael knows exactly how this is supposed to do the job, keep it professional, don’t get attached. Especially not to someone like Hutch.

Tire gunner, menace, walking bad decision.

He’s grease-streaked hands and a crooked grin, the kind of guy who says whatever he wants and somehow gets away with it. The kind of guy Kip definitely doesn’t have time for.

Until a grounded flight and a spectacular run of bad luck strand them together somewhere in rural Germany with one run-down van, two beds (barely), and way too many hours to kill.

Somewhere between missed exits, questionable motels, and songs neither of them will admit to liking, the lines start to blur. What was supposed to be temporary starts to feel … not.

Which is a problem.

Because the paddock has eyes. Because Kip has rules. Because Hutch doesn’t do careful, and Kip doesn’t do this.

But the thing about bad decisions?

Sometimes they’re the only ones that feel right.

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Kip likes to be organized and know exactly what is coming next. Kind of has to be considering his job. So when him and Hutch get stuck together in a round of bad luck on their way to their next destination for work, well he is barely hanging on by a thread. Especially when Hutch is his opposite. Goes with the flow and easily adapts to every situation. And as much as Hutch may infuriate Kip…he is also very attracted to Hutch. Being in close quarters with one another gives them a chance to get to know one another more. And maybe, opposites really do attract. This was a cute novella set in the Faster world! I loved Kip and Hutch’s dynamic. They had great chemistry and banter. And despite being pretty different, they actually balanced one another really well. A fun story all around!

The Firm Book 3: Vigilant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

 

The Firm Book 3

As the eldest brother and leader of The Firm, I take my responsibilities very seriously. There’s nothing I won’t do to keep my family safe. Staying vigilant, always thinking ten steps ahead, and holding the pieces of my life together with steady hands. Control is everything, because if I loosen my grip for even a moment, the darkness I’ve buried inside will claw its way free.

Everything is stable. Predictable. Safe.

Until Neo.

He’s a distraction I can’t afford but a temptation I can’t seem to ignore. My darkness is drawn to him; it wants to be set free.

And as our enemies close in, Neo becomes the one variable I can’t control… and the one risk I find myself wanting to take. Because for the first time, surrendering to the dark doesn’t feel like weakness.

It feels a lot like love.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243961834-vigilant

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Wylder is the eldest brother. The one always in control. The one who suffered the most by their father’s hands because there was no one around to protect him. But he would do everything in his power to protect his brothers. But his control is tested when Neo walks into his life. Neo who loves to get under Wylder’s skin in every way possible. Who is looking to unleash the monster that lurks inside of Wylder, caged by sheer force of will. Wylder may say he hates Neo’s pranks and distractions, but then why doesn’t he put a firm stop to it? Why does he…look for Neo every chance he gets? For Neo, he has grown up with the idea that no one wants him and that everyone will leave him. Putting his heart on the line is never an option. But Wylder and his family make him want to take a chance. To have some hope that Wylder may stick around for him. They may start off a bit rocky, but it’s only a matter of time until something snaps between them. And it will be everything. I loved these two! You got hints of something happening in the last book and it is everything you would expect and more. So much chaos when Neo is involved. I love that he broke Wylder’s walls down one by one. That he was determined to unleash the monster inside of Wylder if it meant seeing the real him. Watching these two get to know one another and break down each other’s walls, was great. Watching them fall hard for one another, even better. I am absolutely loving this series! We got a hint of who is up next and gotta say I’m a bit surprised considering the obvious pairs, but I cannot wait to see what happens next!

The Firm Book 2: Deviant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

 

The Firm Book 2

In my defense, this is all Brad’s fault.

I had one very important job: kidnap Brad.

I’ve never kidnapped someone before but how hard could it be? Find Brad. Snatch Brad. Deliver Brad to the very scary people who hold my fate in their hands.

So when a handsome, flirty stranger at the bar drops his name, I think my luck has finally turned. No chase. No fight. The man practically throws himself in my trunk, smiling like it’s a treat to be taken, like he wants me to have him.

The only problem? “Brad,” the charming and slightly unhinged man I’ve been keeping hostage for days, may be the most dangerous man of all.

Now I’m knee-deep in a life of crime I never signed up for. Tangled up with a man I never meant to take—and definitely never meant to fall for. And I’m staring down the barrel of a gun for mistakes I never should’ve made.

Because everyone knows The Firm never forgives a debt… and they always collect in blood.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232378273-deviant

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Ansel is not a criminal. Okay, well he is a hacker, but that is it! Until he takes the wrong job with some very bad people. And the only way for his life to be spared is if he kidnaps someone named Brad. Can’t be that hard, right? Well, that is until he does in fact kidnap someone who says his name is Brad…but that’s not exactly the truth. Cade was just out looking for a hook up and when he thinks he has one, Ansel surprises him by the trap he set. And instead of coming clean that his name is not Brad, he decides to see where this goes. Ansel is definitely the worst kidnapper ever. Cade would know. He’s done that and more considering he is part of The Firm, but for the first time in a very long time, something has grabbed his attention. Someone. Doesn’t happy with Cade, not with his brand of psychopathy. He is a product of his environment thanks to dear old dad. But now that Cade has found interest, he isn’t letting go. So he’ll go on this ride and see where it takes him. And the more time he spends with Ansel, the more he knows that Ansel is his. He just needs to be a bit patient and wait for Ansel to get on the same page. And even once the air is cleared on who is who, Cade knows he needs to protect Ansel. But Ansel won’t put Cade in harms way. Not when he knows the people he was tangled with, won’t let it go. Can they find their way out of this mess? Oh man, these two. Cade had me cracking up this whole book. He’s obsessive when it comes to Ansel, but only in the best ways. Knowing deep down that Ansel is it for him, there is nothing he won’t do to protect him and show him that this thing between them can be so much more. And it was equally fun to see how baffled Ansel was but bit by bit he warmed up, realizing that there is something very special about Cade. I really loved getting to know these two and seeing them fall hard for one another. Even with the danger that came with it. Also, with big hints of who the next couple would be, I am super excited to see how that story plays out! Really enjoying this series so far and I can’t wait for the next book!

The Firm Book 1: Covenant by Cora Rose & Lark Taylor

 

The Firm Book 1

The Firm can make any wish come true.

Money. A job promotion. Murder.

Whatever you desire can be yours—for a price.

The Firm has ruled St. Dismas for generations. To most, they’re just a myth.

But in truth, they are the last resort of the desperate.

I never understood why anyone would go to The Firm. There’s always a price to pay—a price you won’t discover until your request has been granted.

It was a path I swore I’d never walk.

Or so I thought.

When my brother is gravely injured, everything changes.

I have no choice but to go to The Firm.

I don’t know what they’ll ask of me, but I’ll give anything to save Jackson.

He has his whole life ahead of him, and I’ll make sure he gets to live it.

But when my price comes due, it’s nothing like I expected.

Not drug smuggling or murder. Not the darkness I braced myself for.

No, this is worse.

My price is to fulfill someone else’s request.

To give them what they asked for.

A marriage.

For anyone else, it may seem simple. But not for me.

Because the man I must marry is my worst enemy.

My rival.

The man I once trusted above all others—until he shattered that trust and threw it back in my face.

The idea of pretending to be Matthias’s doting husband for a year is my worst nightmare.

But I won’t do it for me.

I’ll do it for Jackson.

For my brother, I’ll pay the price.

Even if it means condemning myself.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230228134-covenant

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Wyatt thought he had the life he wanted. Until everything came crashing down around him. When his little brother gets into an accident and that leaves him gravelly injured, he knows he will do whatever it takes to make sure he is okay. So after a year of struggling and realizing that he needs help, he does the one thing he thought he would never do. He puts in a request at The Firm. The boogeymen of their town, they are mysterious and are known for answering pleas. But at a price. And for Wyatt, he never expected his price. To marry the man that shattered his trust years ago. For a year, he’ll have to be Matthias’s husband. But how can be look at Matthias with love when all he feels is anger? But being around Matthias reminds him of how they used to be before the day Matthias disappeared from his life. And Matthias claims that Wyatt doesn’t know the truth about what happened that day that ruined everything. Wyatt can’t decide if he wants the truth or not. But he knows one day he’ll have to learn it. In the meantime he is trying to figure out how he went from believing he is straight to being attracted to Matthias. Was he always attracted to guys? Or is it just his former best friend? There are a lot of secrets and answers Wyatt needs, but is he willing to find out and risk another broken heart? I really loved this story! Matthias and Wyatt have been through a lot. And you just wanted them to be happy and together after so many years apart. Especially when you learn the truth about Matthias and what happened in their past. These two have just been through so much. Their happy ending is one they have to fight for every day to get to the point where all cards are on the table and their past set to rest. The journey there is a great one! I’m definitely looking forward to the other books in this series!

Cruel Fates Book 2: Once Written in Gilded Blood by KM Moronova

 

Cruel Fates Book 2

Love is the sharpest weapon of all….

Born with gilded blood, Alira is a demigod knight forged for war - her rare gift makes her both priceless and disposable in the eyes of the gods she serves. When centuries of bloodshed threaten to consume the world, she is sent into a political marriage with Kalel Lornhelm, the infamous Blood Knight and demon commander of Devicit.

Devicit is a kingdom of beauty and terror, hidden behind a shimmering magical veil. As Alira is drawn into demon life, mistrust slowly gives way to desire, and Alira learns that Kalel has been bound to her fate far longer than she ever knew.

But beneath the city’s splendour lies a devastating secret. As gods rise, war reignites, and the systems that shaped them both demand blood once more, Alira and Kalel must confront the cost of peace….

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239829534-once-written-in-gilded-blood

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

A great end to this duology! The end of the last book left us off with some major reveals. Kalel has many secrets and the day they are revealed is coming closer and closer. He knows he must tell Alira the truth before he loses her for good. But none are easy and none may end with forgiveness. The most pressing secret is the fact that her sacrifice was for nothing. A marriage between them should have ended the war. But neither kings want that to truly happen. And it is only a matter of time before Alira finds out. Alira knows Kalel is keeping secrets and with every little thing that happens, she knows she must find out the truth. Their love for one another is unexpected and wonderful and it is also the thing that will bring them the most pain. But if they want peace, sacrifices must be made. I really enjoyed the conclusion to this series! These two have been through so, so much. By others and by their own hands and they just deserved a happy ending after everything. But first they have to face one another and lay everything bare. Not easy. But by the end, they have more than earned their peace. You definitely don’t want to miss the conclusion of this story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cruel Fates Book 1: Once Upon a Demon’s Heart by KM Moronova

 

Cruel Fates Book 1

This is no fairytale—It’s yearning and guilt of two burdened hearts that will leave readers breathless.

Alira, a devoted demigod knight, has found herself trapped in the throes of a brutal curse. A time loop in which the demon kingdom’s Blood Knight kills her every time. She is haunted by the attack she led on the innocent village of Thornhall, and her guilt consumes her from the inside out. After the twentieth time loop, she has finally had enough. Something has to change, lest she die at the Blood Knight’s hand for the rest of time. A choice she hopes she won’t regret—one to end the war between demigods and demons. Alira is shocked when she realizes that she’s marrying the very knight who has slain her so many times.

A daughter of Venus and a duke of demons. Their love is both cursed and destined—a marriage to save the fragility of their kingdoms.

Kalel is as cruel as they come. A devourer who survives on the gilded blood of demigods. He wants to hate her as much as he did when Thornhall fell, but he finds himself warring with his heart over his emotions for her. Together, they unravel the truths of Faultore, that perhaps not everything is as it seems. The gods may be pulling more strings than they should.

It’s not a question of what love can conquer; it is a matter of what they are prepared to demolish in the path of it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239829563-once-upon-a-demon-s-heart

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Alira is stuck in a time loop. And it ends the same every single time. Her death by the hands of the Blood Knight. No matter what she does, he finds her and kills her in the end. Ands she is just exhausted. The last time it happens, she decides it’s time for a new tactic. To run. Staying in her kingdom of demigods and their war against demons is exhausting and every time she spills blood, it hurts her more and more. But as she leaves she comes across someone and the conversation she has with him reminds her there is in fact one things he has yet to try. There was a decree that peace could be made if there is a union between the demigods and the demons. Alira has kept her bloodline hidden but by revealing it, no one will deny her request that she be the one to marry a demon and end the war. She will make the sacrifice. She just never expects that when they accept, it will bet the Blood Knight to answer the call. Or that he was the stranger she had met that made her decision to go down this path. But she will endure. She will bring peace. Even if it means marrying Kalel. This is such a fascinating new fantasy world! Demigods and demons were such an interesting mix. And a time loop curse? Even more so. I really enjoyed this first book and getting to know Alira and Kalel and this world. And that ending? Super glad I have the next book ready for me to read because I definitely need to know what happens next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.